IUD, Cytology, and Actinomyces: Management.

IUD, Cytology, and Actinomyces: Management.

Published: November 30, 2025

Duration: 24:48

Actinomyces species are considered part of the normal vaginal and urogenital tract flora. The percentage of Pap smears containing Actinomyces-like organisms varies but is most commonly reported as approximately 7% among women using IUDs. That number is supported by multiple sources, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America guideline and several clinical studies. The incidence can be higher or lower depending on the type of IUD; for example, copper IUDs have been associated with rates up to 20%, while levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs show lower rates around 2.9%. In women with an IUD, who are found to have this finding on their liquid-based Pap...

IUD, Cytology, and Actinomyces: Management. - Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls